Compositions and methods for anti-transpiration in plants

ABSTRACT

Methods and compositions comprising design of enlarged pectins are provided. Elaborated pectins are useful for a multitude of functions including surface coating, penetrant, additive and gell. Methods according to the present invention comprise steps for treatments to one or more live pectic cells in one or more compositions that result in modified pectins. In specific embodiments, methods are provided for applying the nanotechnology to live cells for carriage and incorporation of polar compounds.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/314,234 filed Dec. 8, 2011, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/312,169 filed Dec. 20, 2005 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,093,182 issued Jan. 10, 2012), which claims priority of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/638,868 filed Dec. 23, 2004, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the nanotechnology of pectins. Methodsfor construction of pectin-based penetrants of the present invention arepresented.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Agricultural waste products have developed into massive accumulationsthroughout the world and are, at best, civic nuisances unless they areconverted, somehow, to beneficial utility. Vegetative wastes such ascorn cobs are ground into such items as litter absorbents, see forexample U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,302, and, even after such manner of use,contribute additionally, again, to the waste stream. At the same time,utilization of biochemical machinery in the field of nanotechnology toachieve practical purposes have tended to focus on fabrication of novelarchitectures that range from Bucky Balls to metal clusters on DNAscaffolds (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,537; and Shen, G.-R.,Cheng, Y.-T., and Tsai, L.-N. 2005. Synthesis and Characterization ofNi—P—CNT's Nanocomposite Film for MEMS Applications. IEEE Transactionson Nanotechnology 4(5):539-547), while purposeful in vivo applicationsare limited.

The specific focus of the present invention is the ubiquitous cell wallcomponent, pectin. The present invention generally relates to threefundamental designs of pectins: (1) As surface coatings; (2) As novelcompositions of matter; and 3) As components that are integrated andtransported systemically to the benefit of an entire organism.

In live systems, pectin is involved in the development of all greenplants as a key molecule of cell walls. Under the mild conditions of thepresent invention, cations and saccharides are selected for theirsimilarities to those found in pectin, insuring that they will bind topectins of the living cell. Natural pectin can be changed, thereby, insize, charge, and function. A new molecule is created as it bonds withcations and saccharides.

Pectins are complexes of heterosaccharides, of which theirpolygalacutronic acid (PGA) junction zones are characterized by ionicbonds to di-cationic calcium (Ca²⁺). Thus, pectins are Ca²⁺-bearingmacromolecules physically measuring in a range of approximately 13 to 45nm and 41 to 307 kiloDaltons (Fishman M. L., Chau H. K., Kolpak F.,Brady J. 2001. Solvent effects on the molecular properties of pectins. JAgric Food Chem. 49(9):4494-501), native pectins averaging 150 to 200 kD(Catoire, L.; Goldberg, R.; Pierron, M.; Morvan, C.; Herve du Penhoat,C. 1998. An efficient procedure for studying pectin structure whichcombines limited depolymerization and ¹³C NMR. European BiophysicsJournal, 27(2):127-136). Pectin is composed of three mainpolysaccharides, polygalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan I andrhamnogalacturonan II. Rhamnogalacturonan I (rhamnosyl andD-galacturonosyl) sections contain hairy branch points with side chainsof arabinose and galactose; while rhamnogalacturonan II side chainscontain D-xylose, L-fucose, D-glucuronic acid, D-apiose,3-deoxy-D-manno-2-octulosonic acid, and 3-deoxy-D-lyxo-2-heptulosonicacid attached to polygalacturonic acid (PGA). Gelling properties ofpectins depend on esterification, sugars, pH, water, and temperature.Low methoxyl-pectins gel by di-cation bridging forming egg-box junctionzones with Ca²⁺. Acyl groups prevent gelation with Ca²⁺; Na⁺ and K⁺non-gelling; and, by nature of carboxylate groups removing Ca²⁺, gellingby divalent cations is ordered Mg²⁺<<Ca²⁺ & Sr²⁺<Ba²⁺. Highmethoxyl-pectins form two-dimensional molecules with sugar, acid, andwater immobilized by H-bonds and hydrophobic interactions. In fact, theratio of bound sugar to pectin is 100 to 1 w/w (Fishman, M. L., Cooke,P. H., Coffin, D. R. Nano Structure Of Native Pectin Sugar Acid GelsVisualized By Atomic Force Microscopy. Biomacromolecules. 2004. 5(2),334-341).

The potential for pectin to be modified within the cell wall isevidenced by observations that its bilayered organization remains intactafter extraction by water and 8 M urea (Bacic, A. and Stone, B. A. 1981.Chemistry and Organization of Aleurone Cell Wall Components from Wheatand Barley. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology 8(5):475-495). Pectinembedded proteins are integral to catalytic chemical reactions essentialto covalent bonds and conformation of electrostatic binding of specificenzymes are ruled by interaction only in the presence of Ca²⁺ (Carpin,S.; Crevecoeur, M.; de Meyer, M.; Simon, P.; Greppin, H.; and Penel, C.2001. Identification of a Ca²⁺-Pectate Binding Site on an ApoplasticPeroxidase. Plant Cell, Vol. 13, 511-520); therefore, Ca²⁺ maintainsionic bonds in pectin which change in the living system. Understandingand novel assembly of the above characteristics of pectin were the basesfor development of the present invention of in vivo structuring ofpectin with Ca²⁺-chelator and saccharide compositions for penetration ofexogenous compounds through molecular integration.

Pectin is charged with PGA-chains bearing evenly distributed negativecharges; pectin is, thereby, suitable for interactions with positivelycharged molecules. Ca²⁺-chelators and their cations, especially calciumitself, are the most appropriate candidates for interaction. Thisfeature has proven highly beneficial to methods and compositions of thepresent invention to transport of any of a variety of nutrients andactive ingredients into pectic cells for immediate metabolism.

Specifically, methods and compositions of the present invention includea selection of Ca²⁺-chelators as vehicles for extraction of pectins thatmotivate interactions of components into cells with a selection ofsaccharides. In the course of the present invention, chelactantcompositions of exogenous sugars and Ca²⁺-chelators develop molecularbonds not only as part of pectin, but also as major exchangeablecomponents of pectin that determine what enters the cell and how weak orstrong the bonds will be that allow active transport to occur. Accordingto the concept of the present invention, by designing the normal 100:1ratio of sugar to pectin to a greater proportion through an import ofsugars, the pectin molecule may be enlarged. Add to that, cations inwater, and an enhanced number of hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, andhydrophobicity develop with the integration of exogenous sugars, waterand cations into the living cell. For the most part, cations form ionicbonds with pectin. Ionic bonds being some of the weakest of molecularbonds, leave the exogenous cations fully capable of moving internallyand throughout an organism by, for example, active transport. Ions areimported and exchanged; urea and ammoniacal nitrogen can be pulled intothe cell; and prizing water in pectin gels enhances water-holdingcapacity of live cells resulting in vigorous enhancement of turgidityfor the whole plant. Treatment of live cells with appropriateconcentrations of Ca²⁺-chelators in compositions of the presentinvention causes an ephemeral nanoscalar draw on calcium within pectin,forcing the entire pectin molecule to change. When exogenous chemicalsare made available at that time of extraction, ionic, hydrogen andcovalent bonds may develop with those compounds. Bonds, however weak orstrong, make the exogenous compounds part of the newly formed pectinmolecule.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,378 provides a method for selecting geneticallyengineered eukaryotic cells for mannose or xylose metabolism anddemonstrated experimentally that xylose is not metabolized as acarbohydrate source. This gives certain indication that, a saccharidecomposition, of itself, is not an effective penetrant primarily becausethere is no natural route of metabolism. Recent genetic sequencingreports disclose proteins that code for synthesis of plant recognitionor signaling components. However, insertion of genes for synthesis ofhuman sugars in plants (Fujiyama et al. 2005. Plant cell havinganimal-type sugar chain adding function. United States PatentApplication 20050144670 Kind Code A1); and identification of proteinsthat regulate proton pumps (Li, J.; Yang, H.; Peer, W. A.; Richter, G.;Blakeslee, J.; Bandyopadhyay, A; Titapiwantakun, B; Undurraga, S.;Khodakovskaya, M.; Richards, E. L.; Krizek, B.; Murphy, A. S.; Gilroy,S.; and Gaxiola, R. 2005. Arabidopsis H⁺-PPase AVP1 RegulatesAuxin-Mediated Organ Development. Science 7 Oct. 2005:121-125), in thisclass of genetic manipulation bears no relation to in vivo manipulationof pectins of the present invention. Properties of commercial pectinhave been characterized based on utilization in food and drug processingand procedures for observing depolymerization (Catoire, L.; Goldberg,R.; Pierron, M.; Morvan, C.; Hervé du Penhoat, C. 1998. An efficientprocedure for studying pectin structure which combines limiteddepolymerization and ¹³C NMR. European Biophysics Journal, Volume 27,Number 2, Pages: 127-136) to loading pectin clusters withpharmaceuticals (Kun Cheng and Lee-Yong Lim. 2004. Insulin-LoadedCalcium Pectinate Nanoparticles: Effects of Pectin Molecular Weight andFormulation pH. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, Volume 30,Number 4:359-367) have been developed; and, as well, manipulation of thegel in food processing, see for example, United States PatentApplication 20010003596 Kind Code A1 (Finnie, K. J.; Olsen, R. J.;Frinak, S. C. Jun. 14, 2001. Multi-stage thickening composition for usewith packaged food items and process for using same), further evidencinga need for modified pectins; however, prior in vivo manipulation ofpectin by application of sugars is not evident. The compositions of thepresent invention offer systems under which pectins may now be designedand created in a manner that will be of benefit to food andpharmaceutical industries.

Sugars have not been utilized directly as surfactants, but derivativepolymers have, as, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,907 polyoxyethylenederivative of methyl glucoside; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,988alkylpolyglycoside-derivative benoxacor, cloquintocet, dichlormid,fenclorim, fluxofenime, furilazole, and oxabetrinil; and U.S. Pat. No.6,826,866 alkylpolyglycosidic surfactant-fertilizer.

Methyl glucoside is a natural metabolite in roses that drives buds tosenescence (Ichimura, K.; Mukasa, Y.; Fujiwara, T.; Kohata, K.; Goto,R.; and Suto, K. 1999. Possible roles of methyl glucoside andmyo-inositol in the opening of cut rose flowers. Annals of Botany83:551-557). U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,549,729, 5,797,976, 6,309,440 and6,318,023 claim utilization of molasses for plant growth promotion. U.S.Pat. No. 5,958,104 utilizes alkyl glucoside as a plant growth regulator;and U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,293 applies methyl glucoside with 20 ppm to 75ppm manganese, far beyond the range of manganese of the presentinvention. Polyacylglycosides and polyalkylglycosides of U.S. Pat. No.6,258,749 enhance plant growth, but do not claim Ca²⁺-chelators. U. S.Statutory Invention Registrations Nos. H224 and H303 described R(OG)_(x)plant growth regulatory alkylpolyglycosides. U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,511describes inoculating Streptomyces sp. R-5 to a plant for diseaseresistance wherein xylose is a minor bacterial substrate. Prior art fora Ca²⁺-chelator as saccharide transfer agent and integrator does notexist. For the most part, reference to complexing agents of the priorart is for the acid; whereas, the Ca²⁺-chelators of the presentinvention are selected from ammonium, diammonium, potassium,dipotassium, tripotassium, sodium and disodium, salts, and the like.

Without limitation to the case at hand, an example considering transferof major nutrients and micronutrients into plant systems as aconsequence of penetration by means of Ca²⁺-chelators is provided.Nutrient deficiency leads to a loss of plant productivity. Plantsdeficient in a particular element will exhibit symptoms that usuallyreflect specific elemental limitation. Common symptoms of nutrientdeficiency are chlorosis and necrosis. A deficiency of potassium resultsin growth retardation. Deficiency of zinc causes little leaf. Irondeficiency is indicated by chlorosis in new shoots. Boron deficiencyresults in bronzing and loss of meristematic growth. Phosphorusdeficiency makes leaves turn purple. When such symptoms are exhibited inthe field, the crop is curable by supplementation with minerals. Inalkaline environments, many minerals may be present, but precipitationmakes the metals drop out of solution rendering them unavailable.Incomplete penetration leaves residues at the surface that, uponevaporation of the carrier, may reach toxic concentrations leading todamage. The key is to make the mineral supplement available formetabolism and, although maintaining solubility of metals is most oftenaccomplished through sequestration, conventional agents are not built topenetrate being non-functional within the alkaline boundaries of soapsthat are meant to penetrate. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,688,981, 5,962,717 and5,993,504 originate chelactants, ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (ED3A),that are the mildest of their class. A novel class of chemical compoundof the present invention, the macrochelactant (Mac), solves the problemsof the prior art. When dissolved in water and applied to thephylloplane, this embodiment of the present invention comprises Macswith concentrations of sequestered metals that penetrate efficiently forrecovery of a plant from nutrient deficiency. Biologically requiredmetals include potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, boron, cobalt,copper, manganese, molybdenum, silicon, zinc and nickel; and of these,magnesium and iron are of particular importance, namely, because solubleforms are often depleted. Magnesium precipitates out of alkaline watersand soils. When soluble, magnesium may be incorporated into achlorophyll molecule. Soluble iron may be utilized for energy transportchains and, in plants, pigmentation improves. One of the major benefitsof nutrient supplementation through a Mac is penetration of the entiredose in a manner that leaves no harmful residue on the surface. Thecomplete penetration of, for example, a di-cationic magnesium-Macresults in robust photosynthetic energy transfer and prosperous yields.With particular reference to iron, it is known by convention of priorart that high concentrations, above 1 ppm, are often lethal to foliage,especially when residual iron remains on the surface. Iron and magnesiumto facilitate chlorophyll synthesis has, until now, been limited toexceedingly limited exposure, but can be accomplished by Mac processesand compositions of the present invention at many times the conventionaldose.

Agricultural formulations contain additives, but prior additives havenot been designed from nanotechnological architecture. The utilizationof pectins to integrate desired compounds into the cells of an organelleis novel and has broad application throughout the field becausemolecular incorporation provides an efficient mechanism for transportingdesired products into a living system. Exogenous saccharides, ofthemselves, cannot penetrate foliar cells. Instead, sugars dry into ashiny, sticky surface film on leaves and on exoskeletons of pests. Thesugars of the side chains of pectins, i.e., apiose, arabinose,3-deoxy-D-manno-2-octulosonic acid, 3-deoxy-D-lyxo-2-heptulosonic acid,fucose, galactose, glucuronic acid, and xylose are abundant in cellwalls of green plants; and therefore, processes of the present inventionmine vegetative waste materials for raw materials. When utilized insurface coatings that do not integrate with cells, specific functionsmay be blocked by the aforementioned sugars of vegetative waste,providing for exemplary embodiments of the present invention as, forexample, growth retardant and anti-transpirant.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,407,040 applied chitin with mannitol to reducetranspiration, but because growth was inhibited by the intactanti-transpirant, U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,995 later enclosed kaolinparticulates in the same membrane to allow gas exchange. The use ofanti-transpirants has been researched, e.g., Rao, N. K. S. 1985. TheEffects of Antitranspirants on Leaf Water Status, Stomatal Resistanceand Yield in Tomato, J Hort Sci 60:89-92; Rajan, M. S.; Reddy, K. R.;Rao, R. S.; Reddi, G. H. S. 1981. Effect of Anti-transpirants andReflectants on Pod Yield of Rainfield Groundnut. Agri Sci Dig 1:205-206;Kamp, M. 1985. Control of Erysiphe cichoracearum on Zinnia elegans, witha Polymer-based Anti-transpirant. Hort. Sci. 20:879-881; Zekaria-Oren,J. and Eyal, Z. 1991. Effect of Film forming Compounds on theDevelopment of Leaf Rust on Wheat Seedlings. Plant Dis. 75:231-234), andthe utilization of any prior anti-transpirant is generally regarded asundesirable because, inherent to its function of blockingevapotranspiration, anti-transpirant films reduce exchange ofphotosynthetic gases through living plants. Decreased yields have longbeen directly correlated to the reduction of assimilation inhibitinggrowth. Clearly, a means of reestablishing normal evapotranspirationwould be beneficial to crop management.

A discovery of the present invention solves the problem of lack ofpenetration of saccharides. On application of Ca²⁺-chelators tosaccharides on a pectin surface, the following events of the presentinvention are observed:

1) Ca²⁺-chelators draw out structural Ca²⁺ and pectin mildly and to alimited extent; 2) Exogenous sugars are pulled in; and 3) Exogenoussugars (and any exogenous cations) bind to pectin. Exogenoussaccharides, thereby, not only become part of pectin, they penetrateinto the organelle as they do so. As the Ca²⁺-chelator-saccharide isincorporated into the cell, molecular integration is thereby, broadlyapplicable to any appropriate composition of matter that may be carriedalong with it into a pectic cell including, without limitation orexclusion of other compounds, active ingredients, inert ingredients,nutrients, and additives. Based on this integrative approach, a novelaspect of the present invention is that after application of a coatingthat can function as, for example an anti-transpirant, its inhibitoryfunctions are, for the first time, reversible by [applying] molecularintegration compositions of the present invention. With foresight,surface coatings may now be designed to penetrate by serial applicationsof compositions of the present invention.

A reversal mechanism, hereinafter, protranspirant, composition of thepresent invention that is biodegradable into a cell would be mostbeneficial and is, therefore, introduced as another embodiment of thepresent invention. These embodiments of the present invention relate tomethods for blocking growth; coatings; anti-transpirant compositions;penetrant saccharides; and protranspirant compositions.

Wilt is symptomatic of a need for a remedy that prevents total crop lossto death, but treatment with an anti-transpirant has been regarded as adrastic measure to take because when transpiration stops, productivitycomes to a standstill. Anti-transpirants often coat foliage withoutpenetration to reduce transpirational water loss mechanically. A meansof resuming functions to minimize losses would be most beneficial togrowers. In a method of the present invention, compositions are appliedto shoots of a plant in an effective amount and with a frequencysufficient to retard growth and prevent wilting and then followed bymethods that return evapotranspiration to normal function. Compositionsand methods of the present invention return the health and yield ofcrops to their original state by freeing the plant from the drasticeffects of conventional anti-transpirants. Exploitation of the growthretardant properties of coatings are also put to benefit by adjustingformulas to retain slowed growth to reduce maintenance withoutweakening, such as in golf greens; and as a means of preparing a planttowards optimized pesticide response, such as by weakening a weed priorto application of a herbicide. It would be beneficial to buyers toprovide these safe compositions from natural products. As pecticcomponents are vegetative, see for example, Decreux and Messiaen 2005(Wall-associated Kinase WAK1 Interacts with Cell Wall Pectins in aCalcium-induced Conformation Plant and Cell Physiology 46(2):268-278),processes of resourcing waste are also offered.

It would be beneficial to growers to provide safe compositions thatintegrate nutrients and active ingredients into live cells, makingcompositions more highly available for plants than previously afforded;that reduce toxicity of essential minerals, additives and activeingredients while making them available; and that penetrate, transfer,transport, spread, emulsify, wet, stick, safen, metabolize, blend andprovide other utilizations of active ingredients by entry for greaterpurpose. The present invention seeks to fulfill these needs and providesfurther related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems of the prior art have been overcome by the present inventionthrough provision of methods and compositions for the integration ofcomplex molecules into pectins and for import of compounds. Thesepurposefully designed nanoparticles enable various ingredients to becarried into cells at optimal levels for cellular metabolism. Whencompositions of the present invention contact cellular pectins, theybind and become part of the living system. Novel compositions of matter,the resultant enlarged pectins, facilitate systemic metabolism.Depending on the introduced component of interest, effects may beenhanced towards the health or destruction of the organism. For example,formulating an appropriate pesticide with compositions of the presentinvention enhances penetration of, for example, a fungicide and, as aresult, the efficacy of destruction of targeted fungi is improved by 30%to 50%, for example. In another embodiment featuring remedialapplication, what would otherwise be application of inadequateconcentrations of ferrous ions to correct chlorotic foliar depletion ofmicronutrients can instead be turned into a beneficial sufficiency whencations are efficiently transported into cells by the compositions andmethods of the present invention. Chlorotic symptoms of iron-deficiencyare corrected by highly efficient input of cationic iron and magnesiumin Ca²⁺-chelators that turn foliage green.

In yet another embodiment, the water carrier of a Ca²⁺-chelator solutionbinds the water in a gel formed by hydrogen bonds with pectin, resultingin persistent enhanced turgidity.

By utilization of another embodiment involving separate applications,the coating of the invention may be applied to fulfill astomatal-blocking antitranspirant function that can be reversed byfollowing with application of a protranspirant.

In a related embodiment of the system, waste vegetation, preferablycobs, are subjected to novel extraction methods that exploitCa²⁺-chelators to enhance the efficiency of processes that targetcob-saccharides to be utilized in the aforementioned solutions.

The methods of the invention may be advantageously utilized with anytype of organisms bearing pectins in their cells including, but notlimited to, photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic organisms andmicroorganisms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates diagrammatically, methods leading to the penetrationof exogenous components through enlarged pectins of a live cell;

FIG. 2 is a schematic for processing cobs into compositions by drying,grinding, acidifying, and ripening; and application of a non-penetratingsurface coating to pectic cells. The diagrammatic illustration shows howthe surface coatings of the present invention are applied to plants toblock stomata for a reversible anti-transpirant; and

FIG. 3 illustrates diagrammatically, methods of the present inventionfor resuming transpiration through application of Series 2 formulasdesigned for molecular integration of an anti-transpirant coating that,as a consequence, clears blocked stomata. Optimal assimilation resultsfrom this protranspirant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED METHODS

The methods and compositions of the invention are designed to treatpectic cells of live tissues and organisms to insure highly efficienttransfer of exogenous nutrients, active ingredients, and otheringredients. Of particular interest for transfer into cells are cations,amines, polyamines, fertilizers, pesticides, additives, and adjuvantsand all other compounds that may be formulated into compositions of thepresent invention. Cations are preferred and di-cations are most highlypreferred. Treatments of healthy organisms are generally achieved byformulating a Ca²⁺-chelator with a saccharide for systemic activetransport.

Most highly preferred divalent cations, such as for example, selectionsfrom Ca²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺ and Zn⁺², may be sequestered by theaforementioned Ca²⁺-chelators as well as preferred monovalent cationsselected from K, NH₄; and individually or as blends. Appropriatechelants are essential to penetration of a saccharide whether or not ametal ion is to be introduced because a Ca²⁺-chelator extracts pectin.The most highly preferred Ca²⁺-chelator is thepolyamine-polycarboxylate, ethylenediaminetetraacetate, disodium salt(Na₂EDTA).

Polyamines tend to interact directly with the ionically bound Ca²⁺ in anegg box junction zone of pectin and, when applied in moderation bytaking into consideration the number of Ca²⁺ ions available in a cell, aCa²⁺-chelator can be applied at optimal concentrations designed to givea slight molecular tug to pectin layers that is tolerable to a cell andthat maintains it in its living state. The broad concentration ofpolyamine Ca²⁺-chelators in the compositions of the present invention isabout 50 ppm to about 0.5%, and the preferred range is from about 200ppm to about 1 ppt. After drawing the layered pectin out mildly atphysiological levels, exogenous compounds may be introduced within themolecular structure of the affected native pectin. As exogenoussaccharides are integrated, they change the charge and physical natureof pectin. Where catalysts abound in a live system, enzymes in pectinhave a key role in oligomerization of saccharide to PGA and, thus, playinto the enlargement of the molecule. For the purpose of thecompositions of the present invention, the oligomerization process isreferred to hereafter as glycosyl transfer oligomerization, abbreviated,GTO. This process of binding saccharides to native pectin makessubstantial modifications to the molecule that results in the novelpectin molecule composition of matter of the present invention,hereinafter, referred to as the “PectiC⁺.” (The adjective of pectin is,pectic. The capitalized “C” is the elemental scientific notation forcarbon, and the plus⁺ sign symbolizes the addition of organic componentsand cations to pectin as a result of the systems of the presentinvention.) Moreover, as a charged molecule, pectic layers relaxedthrough binding exogenous water, ions, and sugars allows the import ofselected ingredients, preferably di-cations, of choice. Preferredsaccharides include monosaccharides, disaccharides, and substitutedpyranoses. The most highly preferred saccharides are methylglucopyranosides, xylose, arabinose, and tetramethylglucopyranose. Thecomposition may specify a surfactant, preferably polymeric, in order forthe exogenous composition to pass through a waxy cuticular layer. Forexample, a composition comprising: 1 mM to 100 mM, preferably, 1 mM to10 mM 1,2,3,4-tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranose; plus 0.001 mM to 10 mM(NH₄)₂EDTA is applied in an aqueous solution with a random blockcopolymer surfactant, preferably at or above its critical micelleconcentration (CMC), sprayed directly on shoots of plants. The CMC ofcommercial EOPO surfactants is within the range of 0.1 to 3 grams/liter,and the preferred range of the present invention for block copolymersurfactants is approximately 1 to 2.5 grams/liter.

In water, hydrogen bonds maintain the integrity of the macromolecularoligomerization of saccharides in pectin. In this manner, solvent watercontributes to turgidity, the water holding capacity of an entire plant,in a gel. Specifically, the formulations enable plants to bank water ina gel and metabolize high concentrations of cationic micronutrientsbetween about 0.0001-30 ppm, preferably between about 1-25 ppm, and morepreferably between about 5-15 ppm, which would otherwise be unhealthyfor a cell, but for the systems of the present invention. Cationicmacronutrients such as N, K, Ca, and Mg may be applied within a broadrange of 100 ppm to 90% by chelactants.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms employedherein have their conventional meaning in the art. As used herein, thefollowing terms have the meanings ascribed to them.

“Nanometric” refers to a measurement of length that is one billionth ofa meter.

“Nanoscalar” refers to a nanometric (nm) size. In reference to thepresent invention, the nanoscalar composition is approximately 15 to 45nm across a particle.

“Nanotechnology” refers to the field of study of nanoscalartechnologies.

“Molecule” is a particle composed of bonded atoms. For example, a glassof water is a molecule of hydrogen bonds. Pectin is a large and complexmolecule with ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and hydrogen bonds holdingwater, sugars, proteins, glycoproteins and minerals together in amolecule; by which a single macromolecule may be as large as the redwoodtree in which it is growing by virtue of continuity of its bonds fromcell to cell.

“Exogenates” refer to compositions of matter that originate externally.

“PectiC⁺” refers to the novel pectic composition of matter of thepresent invention to which cations and saccharides have beenincorporated into the macromolecular heterosaccharide of native pectin.PectiC⁺ ranges from approximately 25 nm to 50 nm and 200 to 350kiloDaltons.

“Glycosyl transfer oligomerizatin” (GTO) refers to the binding action ofthe formative compositions of the present invention comprising asaccharide that penetrates through directed biosynthesis of a PectiC⁺.

“Surfactant” refers to a surface-active compound that reduces surfacetension by wetting or dispersant action. Typical classes includecationic, anionic (e.g. alkylsulfates), nonionic (e.g. polyethyleneoxides) and ampholytic surfactants. The most highly preferredsurfactants for blends with reducing sugars such as xylose and glucoseare non-ionic because they allow better interactions of compositionsthan cations. Sugar-based, random block copolymer, amine, polyamine,anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactants are preferred surfactants ofthe present invention.

“Penetrant” refers to an agent that carries or transfers anothercompound into the interior of a living cell. Penetrants are distinctfrom surfactants as, for example, DMSO is a penetrant, but not asurfactant. A composition of the present invention is a penetrant.

“Chelator” refers to a compound that sequesters by molecular clawingaction and maintains solubility of minerals. Suitable natural chelatorsinclude polysaccharides, carbohydrates, amino acids, amines, polyamines,salicylic acid, peptides, nucleotides, phosphates, tetrapyrrols, water,organic acids with more than one coordination group, lipids, steroids,ferrioxamines, ionophores, phenolics, and triethanolamine, (TEA); whilesuitable synthetic chelators include 2,2′-bipyridyl dimercaptopropanol,ethylene diaminotetraacetic acid,ethylenedioxy-diethylene-dinitrilo-tetraacetic acid, ethyleneglycol-bis-(2-aminoethyl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, nitrilotriaceticacid, and ortho-phenanthroline; and derivatives, thereof. Suitablesoluble salts of chelators are selected from ammonium, diammonium,potassium, dipotassium, tripotassium, sodium, and disodium; and cations;and the like. Suitable Ca²⁺-chelators of the present invention aregenerally selected from water-soluble salts of the chelator becausetheir acids are not generally soluble at practical concentrations,therefore, the polyamine-polyacetics are expressed as theirpolyamine-polyacetates. For example, EDTA is the conventionalabbreviation for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; but herein forconvenience, it is the abbreviation for ethylenediaminetetraacetate, itssoluble form. Other commercially available chelants include acetates, asfor example: (ED3A); ethylenediamine-di(-O-hydroxyphenylacetate),(EDDHA); N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine-triacetate, (HeEDTA);diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA); ethyleneglycol-bis-([beta]-aminoethylether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetate (EGTA);trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetate (CDTA); their salts;and derivatives, thereof. The most highly preferred chelators of thepresent invention are Ca²⁺-chelators that classically extract pectinsfrom the cell wall. The preferred Ca²⁺-chelators may be selected fromwater-soluble forms of EDTA, EGTA, and CDTA; and ammonium oxalate; theirsalts; and derivatives, thereof.

“Chelactant” is a portmanteau of chelant combined with surfactant,reflecting the dual-functioning characteristics of the chelactantmolecule. When blended in large proportion, exceeding 100:1,saccharide:chelant, compositions of the present invention exhibitchelactant properties and, within the context of the claims of thepresent invention, chelactant refers to such compositions. In thepresence of pectin, bonding of the saccharide composition to PGA resultsin profound surface activity, and as a consequence, it spreads.

“Macrochelactant” (Mac) refers to a metal-chelactant subset of thepresent chelactant invention that transports exogenous metal ions into acell. Suitable Macs include all possible ionic combinations consistentwith protistan nutrition. Macs of the present invention are particularlyuseful in foliar formulations and root dressings. The novelty of Macpermits development of nomenclature; and, as such, Macs of the presentinvention place the name of the metal(s) first, the chelant(s) second,and followed by the saccharide(s). The Ca²⁺-chelator is a preferredcentral component. For example, where magnesium (Mg) is a plant mineralnutrient and CDTA is one of a selection of Ca²⁺-chelators andtetramethylglucopyranose (TMG) is a preferred saccharide, the Mac isfrom Mg—CDTA-TMG. An ephemeral nanoscalar film develops as a result ofapplication of an aqueous suspension in a polar solute, such as in awater molecule with hydrogen bonds. In the large hydrogen-bonded watermolecule, application of Mac to a planar pectic cell flows to GTO.

“Plant” refers to any life form which photosynthesizes single carbonfragments to pectins including plants with roots and shoots.

“Retards productivity” refers to decreasing, weakening, or stoppinggreening, vigor, aesthetic quality, and/or photosynthetic yield of anorganism.

“Pectin” refers to a complex heterosaccharide nanoscalar particlecomposed of three main polysaccharides, polygalacturonan,rhamnogalacturonan I and rhamnogalacturonan II. Rhamnogalacturonan I(rhamnosyl and D-galacturonosyl) sections contain side chains ofarabinose and galactose; while rhamnogalacturonan II side chains containD-xylose, L-fucose, D-glucuronic acid, D-apiose,3-deoxy-D-manno-2-octulosonic acid, and 3-deoxy-D-lyxo-2-heptulosonicacid attached to polygalacturonic acid (PGA).

“Native pectin” refers to pectin in its natural state prior tomodification.

“Pectic cell” refers to organisms or cells of organisms that metabolizepectin or pectin-like heterosaccharides, including those of, plants,animals, fungi, and protistans.

“Percent” or “%” is percent by weight unless otherwise indicated.

“Ppt” refers to parts per thousand by weight.

“Ppm” refers to parts per million by weight.

“Ppb” refers to parts per billion by weight.

“Molar” (M) refers to the moles of elemental or molecular concentration.

“milliMolar” (mM) refers to 0.001×M.

“Active ingredient” refers to ingredients that are intended to have acertain effect on the plant, including listed ingredients cited underregulating pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency of theUnited States of America (EPA).

“Pesticide” refers to active ingredients listed under regulatingpesticides by FIFRA of the EPA.

“Inert ingredient” refers to other ingredients cited under regulatingpesticides by the EPA.

“Nutrient” refers to a beneficial metabolized food. For all livingorganisms, nutrients are derived from available forms of C, H, O, N, P,K, S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Mo, B, Cl, and the like. In thepresent invention, all sources of nutritive elements are consideredvalid additives, the most highly preferred are cations sequestered byCa²⁺-chelators.

“Available nitrogen” is nitrogen (N) nutrition that is ready forcellular uptake. Conventional sources of N are selected from ammoniacal,urea, nitrate, amine, fish, waste, and organic nitrogen. The most highlypreferred forms of N are defined compounds such as (NH₄)₂-EDTA,(NH₄)₂-EGTA, ammonium sulfate, ammonium oxalate, ammonium nitrate, urea,calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and the like. Acceptable historicallists of N include fertilizers, protein and its derivatives, stabilizednitrogen, steady nitrogen delivery, polymer applications for nitrogen,organic fertilizers, and fertilizer efficiency material; of which, apreferred selection may be Organic Ammonium Sulfate, a commercial blendof ammonia, sulfuric acid, and approximately one-tenth organiccompounds.

“Aqueous” with reference to solutions and solvents refers to solutionsor solvents that consist primarily of water and can be essentially purewater in certain circumstances.

“Saccharide” refers to monosaccharide, substituted saccharide,disaccharide, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide, and pectin. Pectin andcomponents of pectin are preferred. Sugars of the pectin side chains arepreferred monosaccharides of the present invention and include apiose,arabinose, fucose, galactose, glucuronic acid,3-deoxy-D-manno-2-octulosonic acid, xylose, and3-deoxy-D-lyxo-2-heptulosonic acid. Saccharides include one or morepyranose, furanose, and/or cyclic or straight chain sugar, including,but not necessarily limited to the following sugars: Aldoses, such as,glyceraldehydes, erythrose, threose, ribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose,allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, taloseKetoses, such as, dihydroxyacetone, erythrulose, ribulose, xylulose,psicose, fructose, sorbose, tagatose; glucopyranose; fructofuranose,fructopyranose, xylopyranose; and their parts and derivatives, e.g.,glycuronides, glycosamines, and the like.

“Substituted saccharide” refers to saccharides with a substitutedmoiety, such as acylglycopyranose, alkylglycopyranose,polyacylglycopyranose, polyalkylglycopyranose, PGR-pyranose, and thelike. Tetraalkylglycopyranoses (TMG) and tetraacylglycopyranoses arepreferred substituted saccharides of the present invention. Methylglucopyranosides are the most preferred substituted saccharides of thepresent invention.

PGR-pyranoses include plant growth regulator-substituted saccharides.

Polyacylglycosides and polyalkylglycosides useful in the formulationsand methods of the invention include, but are not necessarily limited toany, (Alkyl)_(n) glycopyranose, wherein n=2 to 5, its salts and itsderivatives, and (Acetyl)_(n) glycopyranose, wherein n=2 to 5, its saltsand its derivatives, including, but not limited to, tetraacetylglycopyranose, tetraacetylglucopyranose, tetraacetylmannopyranose,tetraacetylribofuranose, tetraace tylfucopyranose,tetraacetylxylopyranose, tetramethylglycoside, triacetylglycopyranose,triace tylfucopyranosyl chloride, triace tyladenosine, and methyltriacetyl glucoside; any other polyacyl or polyalkyl conjugated to one or morepyranose, furanose, and/or cyclic or straight chain sugar, including,but not necessarily limited to the following sugars: Aldoses, such as,glyceraldehydes, erythrose, threose, ribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose,allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, and talose;Ketoses, such as, dihydroxyacetone, erythrulose, ribulose, xylulose,psicose, fructose, sorbose, tagatose; glucopyranose; fructofuranose,fructopyranose, xylopyranose; and their parts and derivatives, e.g.,glucuronides, glucosamines; and any polyacylpolysaccharide,polyalkylpolysaccharide, and any isomer, metabolite, salt, hydrate,ester, amine, surfactant-linked derivative and other suitablebiologically or chemically equivalent derivative, and combinationthereof.

Polyacylamine derivatives useful in the formulations and methods of theinvention include, but are not necessarily limited to, (Acetyl)_(n)glycosamine, wherein n=2 to 5, its salts and its derivatives, including,but not limited to, tetra ace tylglycosamine, tetraacetylglucosamine,tetraacetylglucosamine, tetraace tylmannos amine, tetraace tylribosamine, tetraace tylfucos amine, tetraace tylxylosamine,tetramethylglycosamine, triace tylglycosamine, triace tylfucosaminechloride, and triacetyladenosine; any other polyacylamine derivativeconjugated to one or more pyranose, furanose, and/or cyclic or straightchain sugar, including, but not necessarily limited to the followingsugars: Aldoses, such as, glyceraldehydes, erythrose, threose, ribose,arabinose, xylose, lyxose, allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose,idose, galactose, talose; Ketoses, such as, dihydroxyacetone,erythrulose, ribulose, xylulose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, tagatose;glucopyranose; fructofuranose, fructopyranose, xylopyranose; and theirparts and derivatives, e.g., glucuronides, glucosamines; and anypolyacylglycosamine isomer, metabolite, salt, hydrate, ester, amine,surfactant-linked derivative and other suitable biologically orchemically equivalent derivative and combination thereof.

The following saccharides will neither penetrate nor integrate: pentaacetylglucopyranose, pentaace tylgalactopyranose,pentaacetylmanno-pyranose, tetradecylmaltoside, andphenyltetraacetylglucoside.

The formulations and methods of the present invention may be applied tovirtually any variety of living organism that metabolizes pectins. Theseorganisms include fungi, protistans, animals, and, most preferably,plants. Plants include innumerable agricultural varieties, such as thoselisted by G. M. Markle, J. J. Baron and B. A. Schneider, Food and FeedCrops of the United States, (Meister Publishing 1998); and by MarkGriffiths, Index of Garden Plants, (Timber Press 1994), the disclosuresof which are hereby incorporated by reference. Further, plants which maybenefit according to the present invention include, but are not limitedto, all plants that have been genetically modified, includinghybridized, chimeric, transgenic, cross-bred and mutated plants, andplants comprising recombinant DNA or RNA or plants that have otherwisehad their DNA or RNA modified. These lists are intended to be exemplaryand are not intended to be exclusive. Other organisms which may benefitby application of the compositions and methods of the present inventionwill be readily determined by those skilled in the art. Generally, theplant location to which the composition of the method is applied shouldhave a surface area large enough to enable the organism to absorb thecomposition. Compositions may be applied to all parts of any fungus orprotistan. The compositions and methods of the present invention may beapplied to virtually any variety of plants, plant parts or associatedorganism with pectin or pectin-like substance in a cell. Compositionsmay be applied to all parts of any plant including the shoots, leaves,stems, flowers and/or fruits; and/or roots. For example, it is desirablethat the plants include the sprouted cotyledon (i.e., the “seed leaves”)or other substantial surfaces that will facilitate absorption, such asthe true leaves. Fruit bearing plants may be treated before and/or afterthe onset of bud, fruit and seed formation.

The compositions of the present invention may also include any of a widevariety of agronomically suitable additives, adjuvants, or otheringredients and components which improve the effects of the compositionsof the present invention (hereinafter “additives”). Generally acceptedadditives for agricultural application are periodically listed by theEPA.

The methods and compositions of the present invention may be used asconventional additives or adjuvants. As adjuvants, the methods andcompositions of the present invention would be essential to the efficacyof a product or active ingredient and may be part of a commercialformulation or separately applied. Additives and adjuvants includeadditions to all agriculturally approved chemicals including chelants,emulsifiers, nutrients, penetrants, safeners, stickers, surfactants,synergists, and wetters.

The penetrant methods of the present invention are achieved by applyingappropriate concentrations of a saccharide, or a hydrate thereof orester derivative thereof or salt thereof with Ca²⁺-chelators to a pecticcell. Suitable non-penetrating coats for use in the methods andcompositions of the present invention include saccharide compositionsand blends without Ca²⁺-chelator or with a Ca²⁺-chelator, but present atinsufficient concentration to penetrate pectin, such as atconcentrations below 88 ppm. Appropriate and suitable saccharidecomponents of the invention are selected from monosaccharide,disaccharide, oligosaccharide and substituted saccharide. Specifically,said saccharide component may be preferably selected from pectic sidechain sugars, e.g., D-apiose, arabinose, L-fucose, galactose,D-glucuronic acid, and D-xylose; and any raw material or blend orprocessed sources of saccharides; and pectin, cob-xylose, methylglucopyranosides, invert sugar, molasses, cane syrup, corn syrup,maltodextrin, malt extract and the like. Of the substituted saccharides,alkyl and acyl substitutions are preferred for least cost. Methylglucopyranosides, tetraalkylglycopyranoses and tetraacylglycopyranosesare preferred.

The invention provides methods for formulating such additives based onsaccharide content. It also provides Mac formulations with ionic metalspreferably about 1 ppb to 1000 ppm and applying the same to plants orother pectic cells to safely transport exogenous cations. Mac isdesigned to enhance input and uptake of massive quantities of metals.Suitable metals of the complex for use in the methods and compositionsof the present invention include cationic nutrients such as Ca²⁺,cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, nitrogen, potassium,zinc and the like. Any combinations of Mac components are beneficial andsequestered metals are most highly preferred; for example,zinc-EGTA-xylose. Iron-EDTA-xylose is a preferred composition of thepresent invention; and, therefore elucidates the composition of 12 ppmiron as 85 ppm EDTA in aqueous xylose suspension. An optionalrequirement of Mac is for the redox reaction to be balanced, preferablyby co-application of nutrients such as urea and ammoniacal nitrogen, ina broad range of 1 lb. to 100 lb. per acre. The most highly preferredform of nitrogen is (NH₄)₂EDTA, in the preferred range of 100 ppm to2000 ppm. The complexing compounds employed in at least the foliar andother compositions of the present invention preferably also comprise asurfactant for application at its CMC. The combination with an ammoniumsalt is important to balance internal redox reactions. The relativeratio of the metal complex to the ammonia source depends on the route ofadministration. Appropriate solubilization is achieved, as for example,with iron as soluble ferric and preferably ferrous salts, such as,ferric chloride and ferrous sulfate. Most preferably, mineral complexesof Ca²⁺-chelators are selected from, for example, such Ca²⁺-chelators asammonium oxalate and EDTA, ED3A, EGTA, CDTA, and the like. Chelantoptions may include HeEDTA and DTPA, but as trivalents they may be moreuseful, for trications, for example, ferric-HeEDTA. Water soluble formsof gluconate, lactate, succinate, and like chelants may be included incompositions of the invention to maintain solubility of metals in asurface coating solution. Active ingredients such as a selection ofpesticides may be included in a blend for the construction of PectiC⁺.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide novel compositionsof matter that penetrate into a live cell by fusion of the desiredproduct. As a result of the primary invention of PectiC⁺, methods ofutilization are enabled by formulation of safe compositions comprisinghigh concentrations of metals or active ingredients. For example,glyphosate kills plants more efficiently through PectiC⁺ than as thestand-alone product. In addition, application methods are developed forthe formulation of, for example, the enhancement of chlorophyll by ironand magnesium supplementation, without compromising the growth of theplant.

To elucidate the preferred methods of the invention for rendering highconcentrations of metals, reference will be made to the example ofiron-(NH₄)₂EDTA-xylose of the present invention, hereinafter referred toas iron-Mac; without excluding the ability to utilize each and everyother nutrient, Ca²⁺-chelator and saccharide combination. As perexample, the process with iron representing the general metal component,without exclusion of other metals, comprises the following step:solubilizing one or more salts of a metal in a Ca²⁺-chelator solution.For example, iron may be complexed in solution with Na₂EGTA. Metals orions may alternatively be dissolved in a compatible Ca²⁺-chelator, forexample, by dissolving zinc chloride in ammonium oxalate, and etc. Forits end use, iron-Mac is further diluted in aqueous solution with ironions made up to a concentration of between about 1 to 100 ppm and with25 mM to 100 mM available nitrogen. A suitable volume of the resultingCa²⁺-chelators with available nitrogen mixture is, thereafter, appliedto one or more plants, either to the shoots or the roots, by anysuitable application method, such as for example, by foliar spraying,shoot dipping, or root fertigating. The concentration of Ca²⁺-chelatorsis between about 1 ppm to 1% and preferably between about 6 ppm to 30ppm metal ion with 88 to 888 ppm Ca²⁺-chelators and 1 mm to 1 Msaccharide. Alternatively, solid metals may be utilized at higherconcentrations. For example, iron filings may be applied at 1% to 5%iron to turf in a Ca²⁺-chelator-saccharide emulsion, such as 0.3%alkylglycose with 1% iron filings and 100 ppm (NH₄)₂EDTA. Nutrientblends may be applied as dry or liquid formations directly to roots andas foliar formulations applied to the shoot of plants. Preferrednutrient sources are ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, ammoniumphosphates, urea, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, or ammoniumchloride. A dry formulation preferably comprises 200 ppm to 500 gCa²⁺-chelators and 6 grams of ammonium sulfate. Side-dressing delivers aminimum of about 20 mg of dry concentrate per plant. The resultingmixture may be applied dry to the soil and then watered or it may bediluted first in an aqueous carrier and then applied to the roots orshoots such as by foliar spraying or root side-dressing.

To prepare the aqueous mixture, about 1 kilogram of product is dilutedin about 100 liters of water or any other suitable aqueous carrier andapplied to the plants in an amount consistent with conventionalagricultural methods. The preferred volume of application is 100 litersper hectare. The preferred foliar formulation comprises about 1000 g Macmixed with 3 kilograms urea and diluted in about 100 liters of anaqueous carrier. The method for making and applying a formulation mayfurther comprise the step of adding one or more aqueous surfactants,such as about 0.1% to 0.3% block copolymer surfactant, itself amacromolecule, to the formulation and applying the resulting mixture byspraying to drip on the plant foliage in an amount between about 1 to 5ml per plant. Although the formulation may be applied to the plant in asolid form, it is often advantageous to provide it in liquid form, suchas by dispersing, solubilizing, or otherwise mixing the formulation inan aqueous or agronomically suitable organic solvent or carrier toproduce aqueous or organic solutions, dispersions or emulsionscontaining complexing compounds for application to the plant. In dryform, the component molecules are separate. Appropriate aqueousdissolution activates products. The amount of components which aresolubilized in the carrier will depend upon the particular compoundselected and the method of application. The formulation may besolubilized in the carrier by adding the compound and allowing thecompound to dissolve. In some instances, the application of stirring,agitation, or even heat may facilitate the dissolution in the carrier.

The compositions employed in the methods of the present invention may beapplied to plants or animals using conventional application techniques.Plants nearing or at maturity may be treated at any time before andduring seed development. Fruit bearing plants may be treated beforeand/or after the onset of bud or fruit formation. Improved chlorophyllcontent occurs as a result of the application of appropriateconcentrations of select Fe—Mg-Macs of the present invention. Thecompositions employed in the methods of the invention may also includeany of a wide variety of agronomically suitable additives, adjuvants, orother ingredients and components which improve or at least do not hinderthe beneficial effects of Mac (hereinafter “additives”) to provide thecompositions of the present invention. Generally accepted additives foragricultural application are periodically listed by the U. S.Environmental Protection Agency. Spreaders are typically organicalkanes, alkenes, alcohols and polydimethylsiloxanes which provide asheeting action of the treatment across the phylloplane. Suitablespreaders include paraffin oils, propanol, butanol, andpolyalkyleneoxide polydimethylsiloxanes. Suitable surfactants includeanionics, cationics, nonionics, and zwitterionics. Surfactants andspreaders may be selected from C₁ to C₈ alcohols, preferably frommethanol, ethanol and isopropanol at concentrations of less than 1% to90% of the solution.

In addition to the foregoing additives, the compositions of the presentinvention may also advantageously include one or more conventionalnutrients Suitable nutrients for inclusion in the compositions, methodsand systems of the present invention will be readily determinable bythose skilled in the art and include conventional protistan and plantnutrients containing elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,elevated carbon dioxide, peroxides and the like. Phosphate, potassium,and available nitrogen are preferred. In order to support rapidvegetative growth, the most highly preferred formulations may selectfrom (NH₄)₂EDTA, nitrate, urea, and ammonium salts, preferably ammoniumsulfate, ammonium phosphates or ammonium nitrate, within thesupplemental range of 0.2% to 2%. For example, 1%iron-(NH₄)₂EGTA-alkylglycoside, may be formulated with the nitrogensource, 0.1% to 12% calcium nitrate. Generally, nutrients may be presentin amounts sufficient to maintain growth when a product is applied tothe plant. The amount added to the compositions of the present inventionwill depend upon the plants to be treated and residual nutrients.Formulations including N—P—K supplementation are particularly preferred.The elemental content of nutrients may be selected from aluminum, boron,calcium, carbon, chlorine, cobalt, copper, fluorine, hydrogen, iodine,iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, nitrogen, oxygen,phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, and zinc. Typically,nutrients are included in the amount of between about 10 ppm and about2500 ppm, preferably between about 800 ppm and about 1800 ppm, and morepreferably between about 1% and about 75% by weight of the composition.High potency is achieved by shoot or root application of formulations.Compatible metals are sequestered by Ca²⁺-chelators. Other constituentsthat may be added to the compositions of the present invention includepesticides, antibiotics, gene therapies, and the like. Compositions ofthe present invention are particularly well-suited to plant interactionswith fungi such that efficacy is heightened, for example, as additivesto fungicides such as Tilt®. Among the plant growth regulators (PGR)which may be added to the compositions of the present invention areauxins; brassinolides; cytokinins; gibberellins; amino acids;N6-benzyladenine; kinetin; herbicides; vitamins; and derivativesthereof.

Coapplication with piperonyl butoxide, carbon monoxide, or hydrogenperoxide and other monooxygenase inhibitors tend to inhibit metabolismof products of the invention.

The present invention further provides compositions and methods forutilizing biodegradable coatings as anti-transpirants andprotranspirants when applied to plants. The compositions of the presentinvention are typically applied in series, as aqueous solutions or drycompositions to roots and shoots without limitation from simultaneous orparallel admixture or application.

The method of this invention includes the application of the compositionas a first part of a series (Series 1) that coats a leaf surface withoutpenetration. Accordingly, the Series 1 composition is preferably devoidof a penetrating agent (e.g., a Ca²⁺-chelator). The coatings blockevapotranspiration, acting as anti-transpirants. When theantitranspirants were applied prior to the imposition of midday-wiltconditions plants remained upright as compared to untreated plants thatwilted when subjected to the same stressing environment. The majordrawback of antitranspirants is inhibition of growth while gas exchangeis blocked.

Application of a Series 2 composition as a second part provides forintegration of the coating within the pectin of a cell for resumption oftranspiration that establishes optimal photosynthetic gas exchange inplants. Plants treated with Series 1 and Series 2 are productive,healthy and green as compared to untreated plants that wilt for a longduration when subjected to the same environmental conditions.

Series 1 compositions comprise biodegradable coatings that are keyingredients in the composition of the present invention selected fromthe group consisting of compositions of saccharides withoutCa²⁺-chelators.

Series 2 protranspirant compositions comprise Ca²⁺-chelatorscompositions that transport Series 1 coatings into the cell. Series 2composition of the present invention may include a selection of Macsthat may have the additional function of elemental supplementation.Digestive microbes may be applied, and furthermore, the preferred Series2 protranspirant composition may aid in the proliferation of protistansthat are present in Nature. Rapid microbial digestion of the coatingmay, therefore, involve both plant and protistan cells. As used herein,the soluble metals of the protranspirant refers to any of the set ofprotistan nutrients derived from the elements C, H, K, N, O, P, Ca²⁺,Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Si, Cu, Mo, B, Co, Cl, and Ni solubilized withCa²⁺-chelators. The minimal protranspirant compositions of Series 2maybe comprised of Ca²⁺-chelators and available nitrogen; and mostpreferably Ca²⁺-chelators with protistan nutrients.

Generally, the composition of the invention includes Series 2compositions in an amount from about 0.1% to about 100% by weight,preferably from about 0.2% to about 25% by weight, and more preferablyabout 0.2% to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the solution. Aneffective 0.2% solution can be prepared, for example, by tenfolddilution with water of a 2% aqueous stock solution of cob-aldopentose,(NH₄)₂-EDTA, K₂-EDTA, Mg—(NH₄)₂EDTA, Ca²⁺-(NH₄)₂EDTA, Cu—(NH₄)₂EDTA,Mn—(NH₄)₂EDTA, and Fe—(NH₄)₂EDTA and Zn—(NH₄)₂EDTA. Protranspirants arepresent in the composition in an amount from about 0.001% to about 50%by weight, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, and morepreferably about 0.6% by weight based on the total weight of thecomposition. Metals are preferably complexed in forms that maintainavailability to roots and shoots. For example, iron as soluble ferricand preferably ferrous salts, such as, ferrous chloride, ferroussulfate, ferrous lactate, ferrous succinate; and most preferably,iron-Ca²⁺-chelators such as soluble salts of EDTA, EGTA, ED3A, CDTA; andammonium oxalate, and the like. Application of Series 2 protranspirantcompositions to plants reestablishes transpiration such that high ratesof gas exchange optimize photosynthetic metabolism.

Examples of suitable anti-transpirant additives include stickers,surfactants, emulsifiers, films, membranes, polymers, clays, waxes,paraffins, alcohols, polysaccharides, terpenoids, pinene, and siloxanes.Compositions may impart other desirable effects to plants including, forexample, additives to fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, PGRs,nitrogen stabilizers, and like pesticides.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for blockingevapotranspiration to intentionally weaken plants. In the method, aSeries 1 surface coating composition is applied to a plant thatfunctions to retard growth or weaken an undesirable plant to prepare tokill it with pesticides.

The effectiveness of the method and composition of the present inventionin preventing wilting and reinstating transpiration resulting inmaximized productivity has proven to be consistently demonstrable in thefield. During a period when all plants in the field exhibited middaywilt, the trial plot was given foliar treatments by Series 1anti-transpirant sprays. Thereafter, the treated plants did not wilt andshowed evidence of reduced assimilation. After 3 days, the wilt periodended and Series 2 protranspirant treatments were applied to Series1-treated plants. Control plants were not given Series 2 treatments andshowed lower yields than the plants treated with the complete Series 1and Series 2 treatments.

Without being limited to the following theory, it is believed that theapplication of Series 1 anti-transpirants to foliage according to themethod of this invention reduces transpiration by coating and, thereby,reducing stomatal apertures through which gases and water vapor areexchanged from within internal spaces of the mesophyll into theatmosphere. In particular, when evenly dispersed with agriculturalspreaders and emulsions such as by foliar spray to drip, a Series 1cob-saccharide component, such as sucrose, dries at the surface to ashiny coating.

When a cob-saccharide is applied to foliage, allowed to dry, andanalyzed, the film is found to be the unincorporated saccharide on theleaf surface. Thus, stomatal blockage induced by the cob-coatingaccording to the method of the present invention may be responsible, atleast in part, for the reduction in transpiration. By application ofhigh levels of protranspirant Ca²⁺-chelators and protistan nutriment,the cob-saccharide could be integrated with cells, akin to plantbiodegradation. As desired, Series 2 protranspirants reverseanti-transpirant effects of the Series 1 compositions that were applied.As much as possible, protistan nutrients sequestered by Ca²⁺-chelatorsare preferred to provide as high a level of Ca²⁺-chelator as possible,as for example, 100 mM (NH₄)₂EDTA, 100 mM K₂EDTA, 10 mM K₃EDTA, 100 mMCa²⁺—Na₂EDTA, 88 mM Mg—Na₂EDTA, and the like. Integration of Series 1saccharides into PectiC⁺ opens the portals to transpiration. Series 2protranspirants have direct impacts on yields because gas exchangepermits plant metabolism that contributes to overall productivity. Roottreatments, according to the present invention, may also be useful intreating plants prior to transplant to prevent transplant shock anddeath.

Foliar application of the saccharide compositions of the presentinvention results in a reduction of stomatal conductivity, which isindicative of stomatal closure. Reduction of stomatal conductivity istranslatable to decreased transpiration and lower water use for treatedplants.

In general, the methods of the invention comprise the steps offormulating a concentrated Series 1 anti-transpirant in aqueous solutionwith appropriate additives and applying it directly to shoots and/orroots. Agricultural additives to Series 1 anti-transpirants are selectedfor even surface distribution to the phylloplane. The concentration ofanti-transpirant in the formulations should generally be between about 1mM to 10 M and more preferably between about 5 mM to 1 M. For specificapplications, the anti-transpirant may be dry crystals in highestconcentration for root application and 5 mM to 500 mM for foliarapplication. When diluted in an aqueous carrier, the resulting dilutedmixture of anti-transpirant and one or more other anti-transpirants maybe applied to foliage in amounts of between 1 gallon to 100 gallons peracre, preferably at about 10 gallons to 20 gallons per acre of plants,wherein the concentration of anti-transpirant is between about 5 mM to 1M.

In general, the methods of the invention may also comprise the steps offormulating concentrated Series 2 protranspirant compositions to resumetranspiration. Series 2 treatments may restart a process that wasblocked or otherwise enhance evapotranspiration. Series 2protranspirants comprise 0.1 ppm to 10% Ca²⁺-chelators. Protistannutriment may be added in aqueous or organic solution with spreaders andother appropriate additives and active ingredients. Methods for Series 2protranspirants involve applying the resulting mixture in a dry orliquid form directly to shoots and/or roots, preferably to shoots as afoliar spray. The concentration of Series 2 protranspirant in theformulations should generally be between about 1 nM to 1 M and morepreferably between about 20 nM to 888 nM. For specific applications, theSeries 2 protranspirants may be dry for root application and 5 nM to 500mM solutions for foliar application. When diluted in an aqueous carrier,the resulting mixtures of Series 1 anti-transpirants and Series 2protranspirants are preferably applied to foliage in an amount of about20 gallons to 100 gallons per acre of plants, wherein the concentrationsare between about 5 mM to 1 M. Series 1 and Series 2 compositions may beapplied to shoots simultaneously or to shoots and roots simultaneously.For example, a farm tractor may be outfitted both with double saddletanks for foliar boom sprayers. One of the saddle tanks is filled withthe Series 1 anti-transpirant of 0.8% cob-arabinose and 0.02% blockcopolymer surfactant in aqueous solution. For foliar application, theSeries 1 anti-transpirant is pumped through spray nozzles calibrated to100 gallons/acre foliar spray application. For simultaneous Series 2protranspirant application, the other tank is filled with a 20pounds/acre 60% methyl glucosides; 5 pounds/acre to 100 pounds/acreammonium sulfate; and blend of (NH₄)₂-EDTA, K₂EDTA, Ca—(NH₄)₂EDTA, andMg—(NH₄)₂EDTA; with iron-(NH₄)₂EDTA; the broad range of the sequesteredprotistan nutrients at 8 to 888 ppm concentration. The most commonlyavailable salt of EDTA in commerce, however, is Na₂EDTA. The implementis calibrated to the total weight of protranspirant based on theinjection of total nitrogen. In this manner, in a single pass, theentire series is applied to the crop. The end of a period of waterstress is distinguishable by a rise in turgidity and the growerdetermines when to terminate further treatments by looking for signs ofhealth in the crop

Root and/or shoot applications of the complete aqueous PectiC⁺compositions of the invention affords improved water use efficiency fortreated plants when water molecules are carried in with the solution andbind with molecules of the cell.

Accordingly, in another aspect of the present invention, a method forenhancing the turgidity and reducing water use in plants and crops isprovided. In the method, a PectiC⁺ solution is applied to either shootsor roots during a growing season. For foliar application, the PectiC⁺solution application is preferably sufficient to wet leaves by, forexample, spraying the solution onto leaf surfaces with appropriateadditives. The amount and frequency of the application for turgidityvaries, depending upon environmental conditions. PectiC⁺ treatmentsimprove the water use efficiency of a plant through partitioning to ahigher proportion of leaf tissues relative to stem tissues. Theapplication of PectiC⁺ compositions of the invention to crops has beenfound to significantly reduce the amount of water used by crops and toincrease fruit yield.

Utilization of Waste Vegetation

Treatments may be comprised of saccharide products derived fromvegetative waste and utilize Ca²⁺-chelators to efficiently mine wastefor target products. Vegetative matter includes any parts of roots andshoots of plants, whereof peanut shells are preferred plant parts; andcorn cobs are the most highly preferred plant parts; and all vegetativematter will hereinafter be called cobs for the sake of convenience.Initially, cobs may be processed with Ca²⁺-chelators, the leastexpensive and most practical being 1% to 90% ammonium oxalate.Extraction of pectic components is achieved in the initial bath ofammonium oxalate after mild heating for several hours, preferably under0.25 to 1× atmospheric pressure. Conventional pressure cookers areadequate when the exhaust is captured and ammonia is recycled. Theaqueous supernatant is collected and pectin is harvested. The remainingcob-pellet is hydrolyzed in acid, selected from mineral or organicacids. The preferred mineral acid includes sulfuric acid, preferred forits supply of essential sulfates. Preferred organic acids are carboxylicacids for supply of metabolized carbon, most preferably acetic acid.Acidification is achieved by immersion of cobs or absorbance by cobs ofdilute or concentrated acids. When acid is absorbed by a cob, the acidsoftens the cob and may release cob particles and components forapplication. For example, for root or shoot uptake, the acid-treatedcobs have added benefits of solubilizing minerals and conditioning themedium. Appropriate acids for carrier cob treatments are inorganic ororganic. Preferred inorganic acids include, without exclusion of othersources, 0.5% to 50% sulfuric, nitric, and phosphoric. Preferred organicacids are carboxylates that can be metabolized and include, withoutexclusion of other sources, 1% to 100% acetic, formic, oxalic, andglycolic. Oxalic acid is highly preferred because on neutralization withammonium hydroxide, a preferred Ca²⁺-chelator, ammonium oxalate ismanufactured. A preferred method of acidification is immersion of drycorn cobs in 5% to 15% sulfuric acid in aqueous solution with mildheating to approximately 50° to 100° C. After the cobs disintegrate,appropriate bases and buffers may be applied to adjust within a range ofapproximately pH 5 to neutral. The major corn cob components ofsaccharides, their acetates, and aldopentoses are made available fortranspiration events.

In another embodiment, PectiC⁺ is utilized for transport of desiredingredients into a cell. In the following examples, optimal compositionswere determined under horticultural growth conditions in greenhouses andthe preferred Ca²⁺-chelator is 3% Ca²⁺—Na₂EDTA. The most effectiveconcentration was determined to be about 0.1% cob-xylose, 1 ppt(NH₄)₂EDTA, 8 ppm iron and 6 ppm Mn as (NH₄)₂EDTA, in aqueous 0.9% to88% alcoholic media with 0.2% block copolymer surfactant.

The composition and methods of the present invention generally relate toovercoming prospective crop losses by treating the plants with exogenousCa²⁺-chelator-saccharide compositions. A wide variety of plants, fungi,protistans, and animals can be advantageously treated by the methods ofthe present invention. Among the plants that may be treated by themethods are crops in floriculture, horticulture, mariculture,hydroponics, food and fiber crops, landscaping, ornamentals, andgardens.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the methods of theinvention and should not be construed as limiting. In these examples,the following compounds were utilized: purified water; iron-Mac; 20 mMto 50 mM ammonium nitrate; and 0.2% surfactant. Abbreviations used inthe following examples are defined as follows: “iron-Mac” meansiron-(NH₄)₂EDTA-xylose “zinc-Mac” meanszinc-(NH₄)₂EDTA-methylglucopyranosides; “L” means liter; “ml” meansmilliliter; “mg” means milligram; “g” means gram; “kg” means kilogram;and “mM” means millimolar. The following are examples of specificformulations according to the present invention that may advantageouslybe employed in the methods of the invention to treat plants and toenhance the chlorophyll content of foliage. The following examples areintended to provide guidance to those skilled in the art and do notrepresent an exhaustive list of formulations within the scope of theinvention. In general, the methods of the invention comprise the stepsof formulating iron-Mac with 20 mM to 100 mM ammoniacal nutrient. Theresulting mixture is applied in a dry or liquid form directly to theroots or shoots of the plant. The applied concentration of iron shouldbe between about 5-100 ppm, and preferably between about 10-50 ppm. Morepreferably, iron-Mac and ammonium sulfate with 0.2% surfactant isapplied to shoots in an amount of about 100 liters per hectare, whereinthe concentration of iron is about 5 ppm to 20 ppm.

EXAMPLE 1 Dry Formulation

Component Grams iron-Mac 40 g ammonium phosphates 24 g

The dry formulation from Example 1 is applied by crop duster to 0.1hectare containing approximately 2,000 plants. Calculation of theapplication is based on a minimum of 0.2 g of dry mixture per plant.Alternatively, the dry mixture may be applied to the plant soil directlyand then watered in to the roots with irrigation. The concentration ofsoluble iron of the dry formulation is approximately 1%, which, whenapplied to the soil directly, is well above the normally distributedconcentration of agricultural field treatments.

EXAMPLE 2 Liquid Formulation

Component Amount iron-Mac 100 grams  ammonium phosphate  3 grams Indican10 grams EOPO Surfactant 50 gramsAdd 20 ppm iron-Mac into water supply. Apply a volume of the liquidformulation sufficient to be evenly distributed to the roots, betweenabout 0.1 ml to 10 ml per plant. The diluted aqueous liquid formulationis about 3× to 10× the normally distributed concentration ofconventional agricultural field treatments.

EXAMPLE 3 Liquid Formulation

Component Amount iron-Mac + zinc-Mac  10K urea 100KTetramethylglucopyranose 100 gramsApply the mixture, appropriately diluted in water, to 1 hectare ofplants. Similarly, the diluted aqueous liquid formulation issubstantially higher than the normally distributed concentration ofconventional agricultural field treatments.

EXAMPLE 4 Additive

Component Amount Herbicide As per label 60% Methyl Glucosides 19 lb.Ammonium sulfate 2 lb. Ca²⁺—(NH₄)₂EDTA 0.5 lb Nonionic surfactant 0.6lb.Dilute the mixture in 20 to 100 gallons water. Mix until the compoundsare dissolved. Foliar spray the resulting formulation on 1 acre of weedsor over herbicide treated rDNA herbicide-resistant crop (e.g. herbicideresistant soy). Allow 5 h for leaf uptake. The following results showed20% enhanced efficacy of the herbicide using the formulations of theinvention versus conventionally treated controls and with identicalquantities of each of the components as separate controls.

EXAMPLE 5 Foliar Formulation

Component Amount Zinc-Mac 10 g  Ammonium phosphates 3 g Surfactant 2 gDilute the mixture in an appropriate volume of water. Mix until thecompounds are dissolved. Spray the resulting formulation on the plantfoliage (e.g. New Guinea Impatiens) so that the foliage glistens. Allowa day for leaf uptake.

The following results are of growth promotion using iron-Macformulations of the invention versus conventionally cultured controlsand with identical quantities of each of the components as separatecontrols.

Additive 12 ppm 12 ppm 50 mM Plant iron-Mac Fe—Na₂EDTA (NH₄)₂SO₄ typeResult Result Result Rice enhanced chlorophyll phytotoxic retardedLantana enhanced chlorophyll phytotoxic retarded Cabbage enhancedchlorophyll phytotoxic retarded 20% yield increase 5% reduction 5%reduction for all plant types for all plant types for all plant typesThe following are exemplary ranges of effective root application dosesbased on 10 ml per plant.

Plant type Zinc-Mac (NH₄)₂SO₄ Geranium 3 to 12 ppm 10 to 100 mg Coleus 2to 10 ppm 10 to 50 mg Cabbage 5 to 20 ppm 25 to 100 mgThe following are exemplary ranges of effective foliar application dosesbased on 100 L/Hectare.

Plant type iron-Mac NH₄ New Guinea Impatiens 2 to 6 ppm 30 to 100 mMCorn 3 to 12 ppm 25 to 120 mM

EXAMPLE 6

Foliar Anti-transpirant Component Amount Pentose 450 grams Spreader 200grams Water 100 liters

Dilute the entire amount of pentose and spreader in 100 L of water. Mixuntil dissolved. Apply to 1 acre containing approximately 20,000 plants(e.g. rose). Calculation of application is based on a minimum of 5 mg ofdry mixture per plant. Alternatively the dry mixture may be appliedwithout spreader directly to or near roots and then watered in to theroots with irrigation.

EXAMPLE 7

Foliar Protranspirant Component Applied Amount Cob-aldopentose 400 gAmmonium nitrate 400 g Potassium phosphate 50 g IPA-based surfactant 10g 12% Ferrous gluconate 10 ppm Fe 6% Mn—Na₂EDTA 8 ppm Mn 2.5%Mg—(NH₄)₂EDTA 88 ppm Mg

The Series 2 solution contains over 600 ppm total Ca²⁺-chelator.Dissolve Series 2 components in 100 L of water. Apply to the same plantsto which Series 1 was applied or to crops that would benefit fromimproved transpiration. Alternatively, the dry mixture without spreadermay be applied directly to the soil near roots and then watered in tothe roots with irrigation.

EXAMPLE 8

Stomatal Conductance and Transpiration in Row Crops. Cotton plants weregrown from seed in agricultural fields. Plots were identifiedapproximately at midfield and leaves from alternate branches weretreated with Series 1 anti-transpirant and Series 2 protranspirantcompositions.

The Series 1 antitranspirant composition was 100 mM methylglucosideswith 0.2% Tween® agricultural emulsifier in aqueous solution. The Series2 protranspirant was formulated from 200 mM methylglucosides, 30 mMammonium sulfate, 10 mM potassium nitrate, 30 ppm Mg as diammonium-EDTAand 6 ppm Fe as disodium EDTA, 0.2% block copolymer surfactant withisopropanol in aqueous solution. Compositions were both applied to cropsas foliar sprays calibrated to deliver 20 gallons per acre. Thecompositions were applied with manual misters to coat the entirephylloplane on alternate branches of 10 plants in the treatment groups.Control groups were selected from the remaining untreated branches ofthe same plants to which leaves were sprayed in the same fashion as thetreated group, except that the control group received a plant nutrientsalt solution without saccharides or Ca²⁺-chelator, but with identicalconcentrations of nutrients. Both the treated group and the controlgroup were sprayed once at 8:00 AM. At noon, when the remainder of thecrop exhibited midday wilt, the leaf surface was viewed with amicroscope for open or closed apertures. Stomatal conductance wascalculated as a proportion of open to closed stomata counted. Foliarapplication of Series 1 anti-transpirant resulted in 50% closed stomataover the controls. At the end of the stress period, 3 days after Series1 application, a Series 2 solution was applied to half of the Series1-treated plants. The next day, Series 2-treated plants showed 20% ofstomata closed as compared to 50% closed in controls. Reduction ofproductivity showed a direct correlation to stomatal aperture events.

The inherent benefit of the reduction of productivity observed bysurface coatings was exploited by utilizing their weakening effects asadditives to enhance weed kill of pesticides. In sets of replicatedtrials, weeds were given tank-mixes with saccharides, herbicides, andammonium sulfate fertilizer. Perhaps the most widely used herbicide,N-phosphonomethylglycine (PO(OH)₂CH₂.2NHCH₂COOH), is commonly referredto as glyphosate, and is most abundantly found formulated as awater-soluble mono-isopropylamine (IPA) salt or sodium salt, hereinafterreferred to as glyphosate, meant to include salts, thereof. Thepreferred formulation of the present invention is a blend of 4 lbs./acreto 5 lbs./acre glyphosate; 10 lbs./acre to 100 lbs./acre of 60% to 100%methyl glucosides in a 1:1 to 3:1 blend with ammonium sulfate; and withoptional surfactant. After foliar application, inhibitory methodsyielded approximately 50% to 85% improved response of weeds to herbicideand additives over positive controls. With herbicide additive proportionof 1:1, methyl glucosides to organic ammonium sulfates ratio, 100%lethal dose response was achieved with 1 lb/acre glyphosate herbicide.An additional benefit is the reversal of the weakening effect oftreatments to plants that have been genetically engineered for herbicideresistance. After treatment with a tank mix of herbicide and Series 1components, a Series 2 formulation of Ca²⁺-chelators may be sprayed overa Series 1 treatment once the herbicide has killed its targeted weeds.The treatment with the Series 2 formulation is designed to return theherbicide resistant plants to optimal yields and strengthen the crops.

EXAMPLE 9 Resumed Transpiration in Row Crops

Transpiration of water through a plant acts like an evaporative cooler.Foliage that is cool to the touch indicates a high rate oftranspiration. With optimal transpiration rates, leaves cool down; butwhen transpiration decreases, leaves become hot. Foliar Series 2protranspirant was applied to half the plots that had been treated withSeries 1 anti-transpirant. The Series 1 antitranspirant composition was50 mM arabinose with 0.1% Pluronic® agricultural surfactant andisopropanol in aqueous solution. The Series 2 protranspirant wasformulated from 8 mM arabinose, 50 mM ammonium nitrate, 6 mMmonopotassium phosphate, 25 ppm Mg as diammonium-EDTA and 6 ppm Fe asdisodium-EDTA, with 0.25% Pluronic® agricultural surfactant. Whererequired during manufacture, up to 8% isopropanol was added as adefoaming agent. Foliar applications of 3% Series 1 were appliedaccording to skip row protocols on cotton during a two week period ofwater stress. For every six rows treated with Series 1, the neighboringsix rows were skipped with the plants left untreated. One day after thesingle treatment, the foliage of treated rows was turgid during periodswhen controls exhibited midday wilt in moist substrates, but leavesmeasured 3° to 5° warmer than ambient.

Three days after foliar application of Series 1, Series 2 protranspirantwas applied by fertigation through roots to half the Series 1anti-transpirant-treated rows. Foliar temperatures of plants treatedwith both Series 1 and Series 2 averaged 10° to 15° cooler than wiltedcontrols. Foliar temperatures of plants treated only with Series 1averaged 3° warmer than ambient.

Heating followed by cooling from changed rates of transpirationcorresponds to changes in the rates of gas exchange. Sugarbeet seedswere sown on moist quartz sand. When roots grew to at least 15 cm,matched plants were transplanted into identical plastic culture vesselsthat receive defined nutrients as 0.25× modified Hoagland's solution.Plants were grown side-by-side out of doors under illuminated conditionsin the range of 800 to 1,700 μmol photosynthetically active quantam⁻²s⁻¹ at leaf level, 7% relative humidity, and 32° day temperature.Experiments were initiated on plants two months after sowing. A kineticstudy of the effect of anti-transpirants was conducted on sugarbeet.Baseline gas exchange measurements were taken on all plants and set atunity against which other rates were expressed as a ratio to thebaseline. For the Series 1 anti-transpirant foliar treatment, 25 mMcob-aldopentose with 0.1% spreader in water was sprayed to glisten onfoliage. After 3 hours, the plants treated with anti-transpirantexhibited a decrease in gas exchange by half as compared againstuntreated control plants. After confirming anti-transpirant activity,foliar sprays with the protranspirant formulation comprising, 25 mMammonium sulfate and 6 ppm Mn—(Na₂)EDTA and 1 mM (NH₄)₂-EDTA wereapplied. Three hours later, protranspirant-treated plants exhibitedrates of gas exchange that averaged 20% greater than controls. Duringthe next two days, the positive effect of the protranspirant formulamaintained the resumed ratio of assimilation to transpiration. Theseresults show that both anti-transpirant and protranspirant act rapidly.The results are summarized in the table, below.

Treatment n Gas Exchange Baseline 10 1 Series 1 5 0.5 Series 2 5 1.2

EXAMPLE 10

When practical, a return to maximized productivity is the importantoutcome of resumed transpiration. To maintain competitive finances,various formulations derived from vegetative wastes were tested againstcontrols. Major components of corn cobs are cellulose, celluloseacetate, xylose, arabinose, ribose, glucose, and fructose. As a majorcob component, cob-xylose was selected for assay in order to eliminateartifacts. As a control check, cob-xylose was assayed by Benedict'scopper reaction and, in Series 1 application, a shiny reflective filmdeposited on the leaf surface was rinsed and collected and found to becomprised of the cob-xylose that was applied. This led to the conclusionthat xylose applied to foliage is not metabolized by the plant.Cob-xylose created a surface coating blocking stomata and performing asan effective anti-transpirant. Controls were set up on separate plots towhich identical concentrations of separate nutrients and Ca²⁺-chelatorwere applied. As a means of checking the influence of concentrations ofnutrients, it was concluded that these nutrient controls did not showsignificant gains in growth over untreated controls. Other conventionalcontrols were from plots that were not treated with solutions of thepresent invention, but that were cultured according to best practices.Each plot consisted of 36 plants in matched populations. Foliartreatment of each plot was achieved by measured volume sprayers with 6ml of solution. The quantity of saccharides taken up by foliage wascomputed based on molar concentration per unit area. The sugar contentincreased by over 50% corresponding to average dry weight increase. Fromcalculations, then the ratio of sugar to pectin ratio was greater than150:1. The size of PectiC⁺ was estimated from dialysis exclusionmembrane methods modified from (Catoire, et al 1998). Increases inturgidity were supported by comparisons of live weights of populations.

At the end of the test period, shoots were harvested, weighed live andafter drying to compare populations. Statistically significant resultsof treatments with various formulations, at 95% confidence intervalswere accepted. Plants treated with Series 1, alone, showed nostatistically significant yield difference over controls. Plants treatedwith Series 1 and Series 2 showed 10% to 41% greater yields than plotstreated solely with Series 1. Formulation of Series 2 with a carboxylateor lower alcohol enhanced the yields over mineral salts alone. FollowingSeries 1 and Series 2 treatment, leaf expansion was enhanced overcontrols by 70% averaged statistically significant levels when plantswere cultured under drought conditions. Although this was a surprisingresult, it is consistent with expansion of cell walls through PectiC⁺acquisition of polar particles of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 11 Upplause™

100 gallons of Mac was formulated within the following specificationsunder the product name Upplause™ and applied as a foliar spray forcorrecting iron and magnesium deficiency to 100 acres of corn.Recommended dose was 1 gallon Upplause™ dissolved per 100 gallons ofwater as applied at a volume of 100 gallons per acre. As a result,greenness of the corn crop was visibly enhanced and corrections of allnutrient deficiencies were successful. Foliar applications were repeatedevery two weeks, as needed.

Upplause^(tm) Gallons Water  1-70 2.5% Mg—Na₂EDTA 1-5 3% Ca—Na₂EDTA 1-54.5% Fe—Na₂EDTA 0.1-3  5% Mn—Na₂EDTA 0.1-1  Nonionic surfactant 9⅔Pounds Urea 100-300 Xylose  75-200 Total

EXAMPLE 12

Up to 2.5 gallons of Mac was formulated within the followingspecifications under the product name MegAleX™ and applied as a foliarspray in 100 gallons of water to 1 acre of turf. As a result, greennessof the turf was visibly enhanced. Foliar applications were repeatedevery two weeks, as needed.

2.5 Gal Concentrate Pounds Water 1-20 2-propanol 0.1 to 10 3% Mg—Na₂EDTA0.1-1   5% Mn—Na₂EDTA 0.1-0.30 4.5% Fe—Na₂EDTA 0.1-0.5  Urea 0.5-3  Methylglucopyranosides 5-10 Non-ionic surfactant 0.8-2  

EXAMPLE 13

TABLE 1 Estimated range of PectiC⁺ characteristics as compared to thoseof native pectin. (Characteristics of native pectin from Fishman, et al2001). Characteristic Native Pectin PectiC⁺ Least size (nm) 13 ~25Maximum size (nm) 45 ~50 Low kiloDaltons 41 ~200 High kiloDaltons ~300~350 High Sugar:Pectin >100:1 >150:1 Cations Ca²⁺ VariableThe following are exemplary ranges of effective application doses forrooting media based on 10 ml per plant, applied to roots and shoots.

Plant type Cob-component Saccharide Ca²⁺-chelator Geranium 0.1% to 5%Arabinose (NH₄)₂EDTA Rose 0.5% to 20% Methyl glucoside Ammonium oxalateCabbage 0.3% to 10% Indican Mg—(NH₄)₂EDTA Turf 0.01% to 80% Xylose(NH₄)₂EDTA Mg—Na₂EDTA

Although specific features of the invention are described with respectto one example and not others, this is for convenience only as somefeature of one described example may be combined with one or more of theother examples in accordance with the methods and formulations of theinvention. While the preferred embodiment of the invention has beenillustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changescan be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Other permutations of the methods of the invention will occurto those skilled in the art and are within the following claims:

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of increasing the turgidity of a plant,comprising applying to said plant an effective amount of a compositioncomprising a plant nutrient, a Ca2+-chelator, and a saccharide, whereinsaid Ca2+-chelator is a Ca2+-chelator saccharide-chelant selected fromthe group consisting of Ca2+-manganese-(NH4)2EDTA-alkylglycopyranosesand Ca2+-manganese-(NH4)2EDTA-acylglycopyranoses.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein said composition is applied to the phylloplane of said plant.3. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition is applied byspraying on said plant.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein saidcomposition further comprises a surfactant.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein said saccharide is selected from a methyl glucoside.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said saccharide is selected from the groupconsisting of a triacetylglycopyranose, a tetraacylglycopyranose, atetraacetylglycopyranose, a tetraacetylglucopyranose, atetraacetylmannopyranose; a polyacylglycosamine, a triacetylglycosamine,a tetraacetylglycosamine, a tetraacetylglucosamine, atetraacetylmannosamine, a tetramethylglycosamine, atetraalkylglycopyranose, a tetramethylglycoside, a methylglucopyranoside, and salts thereof.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid plant nutrient is comprised of one or more elements selected fromthe group consisting of boron, calcium, carbon, chlorine, cobalt,copper, fluorine, hydrogen, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum,nickel, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium,sulfur, and zinc.
 8. A method for the in vivo manipulation of pectin ina living organism to allow for the penetration into said organism of anactive ingredient, comprising applying to said pectin a Ca2+-chelatorand a saccharide, wherein said Ca2+-chelator is a Ca2+-chelatorsaccharide-chelant selected from the group consisting ofCa2+-manganese-(NH4)2EDTA-alkylglycopyranoses andCa2+-manganese-(NH4)2EDTA-acylglycopyranoses.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein said living organism is a plant.
 10. The method of claim 8,wherein said active ingredient is at least one nutrient for said plant.11. The method of claim 8, wherein said active ingredient is apesticide.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein said active ingredient isan herbicide.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein said active ingredientis a fungicide.